What good is romance in America if there isn’t a mixtape to express said feelings? In honor of Valentine’s day, here’s a little mix for you all… and it ain’t all emo (remember, blues and rock were wearing themes of love and romance quite well and long before emo came through). Enjoy:
1. Volcano, I’m Still Excited!! – “Trunk of My Car“
What a build up and a great song…
2. The Cure – “Close To Me“
Duh… with an irresistible beat and lyrics that fit perfectly with the theme, you can’t go wrong here.
3. Andrew W.K. – “She Is Beautiful“
Sure, it’s a bit gender-biased, but this song rips!
4. Oh No! Oh My! – “Oh Be One“
Repetition does the trick here…
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5. Nina Simone – “I Love Your Lovin’ Ways“
Nothing wrong with a classic.
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6. The Faces – “Stay With Me“
Ditto.
7. Chef – “Simultaneous“
Nothing wrong with a bit of humor either…
8. Head Automatica – “Beating Heart Baby“
The dude from Glassjaw, the producer from so many great hip-hop albums, and one hell of a record…
9. Dinosaur Jr. – “Sludgefeast“
According to Our Band Could Be Your Life, most Dinosaur Jr. songs are about J’s longing for companionship, but this is the one that’s the kicker.
10. TV on the Radio – “Ambulance“
One hell of a haunting song, and one of their best to boot.
11. Friendly Fires – “Paris“
Everything about this song has an element of romantic longing, from the title (Paris is the city of romance) right down to the lyrics.
12. Muscles – “Chocolate Raspberry Lemon and Lime“
Short, sweet pop song about love, with metaphors!
13. OutKast – “Happy Valentine’s Day“
Great and funky way to knock home the theme o’ the mix.
14. The Pixies – “La La Love You“
Apparently this song was made as something of a joke, but it’s so damn adorable and great.
15. The Promise Ring – “Red & Blue Jeans“
Simple and catchy, right down to the repeated “do dos” like a Motown chorus line.
16. Eagles of Death Metal – “Speaking In Tongues“
“I Only Want You” is too easy, and this song seems to bubble with more sexual proclivity than some of their other songs (and that’s saying a lot).
17. Spiritualized – “Ladies And Gentlemen We Are Floating In Space“
A simple mantra, an unforgettable song.
18. Lucero – “Mine Tonight“
Nothing like the age old tale of a hard working American coming home to the one he/she loves…
19. Sunny Day Real Estate – “Guitar and Video Games“
Tales from the bedroom, and updated with references to teenage-friendly technology.
20. The Beta Band – “Dry The Rain“
Slow grooving song that ends with “I need love,” provides a good end note for this mix.
